Mr Farage claimed the influx of migrants has put "intolerable strain" on our public services, saying that Tony Blair "opened the door" meaning we "can't plan or provide for public services".

But Labour MP Chuka Umunna hit back, calling it a "myth" to blame immigration on education or employment issues and urged voters to "Google the figures".

Mr Reed agreed, saying: "We should stop beating up on people who are prepared to leave their homes and families to do these jobs which prop up our public services."

Pro-Brexit Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh claimed immigration was at the heart of the Brexit debate. She said the main issue was legal migration from the EU rather than illegal immigration from around the world.

McDonagh added that "there'll always be illegal immigration" but the UK's current system is "doing down the Commonwealth" and other parts of the world.

Nigel Farage and Chuka Umunna clashed on the issue after the Ukip leader claimed "5,000 jihadi fighters" have entered Europe over the past 15 months because of the mirant crisis and the free movement of people.

He then went on to claim the European Union has expansionist plans with a new "EU Army".

But Umunna hit back, accusing Farage of being a "fan and apologist for Putin" and said Britain would have a veto for any plans of an EU Army.